Ultimate Vacation Spots

posted by Travel Cat on Aug 27

Planning a Visit to South America? 

Listed below are 10 tour operators and the countries that they specialise in tours to to get you started:

The Amazon: Classic Journeys
This group offer dedicated wildlife tours to some of the worlds greatest places, places people want to visit over and over again. Offering original holidays to inspiring places, they have got The Amazon well covered and offer a choice of tour types to suit.

Antarctica: World Expeditions
With World Expeditions you get to voyage with a group of world-class naturalists offer lectures and insights during the tours. This company work with vessels carrying no more than 54 passengers to make sure that you get all the support and attention you need on-board, as well as lessening your total impact when venturing onto the frozen landmass.

Argentina: Wildlife Worldwide
This is a country of vast wildlife and amazing scenery, from thick jungle to ice fields, from butterflies to Elephant seals, Armadillo’s to Orcas, Wildlife Worldwide can take you there.

Brazil: South American Experience
With over 21 years of experience in tailor-made travel in this continent - you won’t run short of ideas for your holiday. Specialising in the Pantanal - one of the worlds greatest wildlife preserve - they can arrange all transport, guides and accommodation.

Chile: Chile Tours
This very long and very thin country covers a vast array of habitats and temperature zones - all catered for by Chile Tours. Whether it’s the Torres del Paines national park you want to clamber over, or the penguins in the Magellen Straights you wish to waddle with - they’ve got it covered.

Costa Rica:Footloose
Footloose tours operate with small groups only to make your experience that much more personal. Their itineries come with accommodation - whether 3* hotel or camping - and professional guides. All you have to do is choose the route that best suits your wants and they take care of your needs!

Ecuador: BirdSeekers
Needless to say, this company know a thing or two about where to find the best birding sites in the country. With over 10 years experience, their guides can show you up to 50 different hummingbirds, 60+ tanagers, quetzals, condors, parrots and even cock-of-the-rocks. They recently discovered a whole new colony of oilbirds last year……

Galapagos Islands: Tribes Travel
With all your flights, park fees, cruise boat and guides all included, you can step into this amazing and isolated world in good hands. With experienced guides and intimate knowledge of the area, you can almost guarantee your perfect trip.

Peru: Tucan Travel
Offering more than 140 different tour types and having 21 years of experience under their belts - you can’t go far wrong with Tucan Travel. They even came up with a parallel company for the 18’s to 35 group who wanted to see the sites - but spend less doing it - so they came up with Budget Expeditions to do just that.

Trinidad & Tobago: The Travelling Naturalist
Basing their birdwatching tours around the world-reknown Asa Wright Nature Reserve on the island of Trinidad, you won’t miss a thing - and it was here on Tobago that sequences from Life On Earth were filmed…. Inclusive of a boat trip and well-educated guides - and no doubt some serious helpings of sunshine you won’t come home without a camera full of great photo’s to keep.

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posted by Travel Cat on Aug 23

Travel With Kids Series - Essential Documents - Part 2

Although not always compulsory to enter a country, it is a good idea to make sure that your travel insurance policies are in order before traveling. In addition, it would be advised to warn banks and credit card companies of your intended travel arrangements to avoid not only risking a late payment, but also to avoid fraud on these accounts whilst you are traveling.

It is also an idea to make sure that you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover all eventualities and to make sure you are insured and legally able to drive a vehicle - even if you didn’t intend to - just in-case.

The Best Policy:
Choosing the best policy available to you and your family will certainly save a considerable amount of effort on your part whilst abroad. Many policies will offer to cover you for many conditions and activities - but don’t assume that they are inclusive of all that you intend to do. Before applying for policies, make a list of activities and medical situations that will just not do without.

One example would be ‘Re-Patriation’ - where the policy will cover all reasonable costs incurred on returning you (after injury or illness) to your home country as soon as is safe to do so. This is essential if you require specialist medical treatment that is not available where you are, but also needed if you will miss your paid journeys home due to hospitalisation.

If travelling with kids, it is also essential that this covers everyone in the party - I mean you cannot leave one of your children abroad alone any more than you could send them off home early without you.

And what if it were you that was injured? Does it cover the cost of hiring a professional in the country you are in - or the cost of sending a friend or relative over to where you are to be with them while you are not able to.

I know these are ‘worst case scenario’s’ but they are the most important.

Your ‘Essentials’ List: 
So, whatever policies you find, make sure you check them up against your ‘essential’ list and don’t compromise. I know you may end up paying more for the most inclusive package, but it could well be too expensive not to.

I’ve got no idea how much it costs to have a child airlifted out of a rain-forest after breaking a leg - but I know I’d rather pay a few $100 rather than a few $1000!

Other things to look out for are not just about injuries. Make sure that flight delays and other travel arrangements are catered for - including a considerable sum for ‘lost luggage’ claims. How much will you need for an extra night in a hotel for everyone or a day or two’s worth of baby blankets, clothes, toiletries, food, bottles and diapers etc, should your bag not arrive with you….

And - as we all know - kids can mean a change of plans, sometimes at very short notice, so it’s worth checking the cancellation details of your policy. That way, if you need to change the dates for whatever reason, you will not incur an excessive charge.

Some policies will allow late changes, but others will not - leaving you to lose the money from the first booking and pay all over again for the replacement flights and accommodation.

Personal Liability Cover (3rd Party): 
It would also be wise to check if the policies offer ‘Personal Liability cover’ for your children. This means that if your children were to cause an accident, break something in the hotel, or do anything that involves damage to another person property - you are covered (obviously, check for any exclusions).

This is highly recommended if staying in a rented home or lodgings, as we all know how much of our own furniture is affected by several ‘adventurous’ children playing around. You’ve already paid for the vacation - you don’t want to be paying for some-one’s TV or climbing frame as well!!

And finally, make sure you know the procedure for making a claim too, as many policies want things to be done in a certain order - for example calling them before visiting the doctor, or confirming treatments before proceeding with them - this way they know what you are hoping to do - and can advise whether they will pay for it before you go ahead.

Keep all contact numbers handy, and make sure your policy number and details are in a safe place.

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posted by Travel Cat on Aug 19

Lake Tahoe - Hiking And Climbing Vacation Spot

Lake Tahoe is planted at the northern end of Yosemite National Park on the eastern side of central California, in the densely forested Sierra Nevada mountain range. It really is California’s mountain country at it’s best.

Lake Tahoe is a year-round recreational haven for well over a thousand years to the people of not only the southern states, but the whole of the US - and beyond. The area offers hiking, climbing and water-sports throughout the summer months, and then becomes a winter skiing destination - with many Olympic-class resorts to choose from.

It is divided into 2 parts really, with the south shore focused on a mini Las Vegas around Stateline, while the north shore is fixed firmly on the outdoor life and has the US’s greatest concentration of ski resorts.

Getting There:
There are several roads that get from coastal California across the mountain chain to Lake Tahoe, but only one coming up from the south through Yosemite, so plan your route well if you are taking in a lot of the surrounding area as well. South Lake Tahoe also has it’s own airport for those who prefer the direct option!

Half of the Lake is also in Nevada near Reno, so across state routes can be planned to arrive here in the Interstate 80, arriving north of the lake.

Before you head out, request your free Visitor Pack from AroundLakeTahoe.com (if still available) so you have all the current local information you need before arriving.

Where To Start:
Peak tourist seasons here are July and August, so expect a lot of people on the paths - and on the road that follows it’s edge too. Must See’s include Emerald Bay and Inspiration Point (a steep climb from the car park) - and Cave Rock Tunnel on the Nevada side, where the highway penetrates the mountains themselves.

There are plenty of reasonable hotels and eateries around the lake, but plan in advance to avoid disappointment. If you are camping, however - check with the state regulations for camping in that area before heading off for regulated camping and any dangers to watch out for.

Fallen Leaf Lake has the most hiking trails in the south-west, but the Balancing Rock Nature Trail is certainly worth while on the south shore, and is close to the Rubicon Trail of spectacular lake views including Emerald Bay - the most photographed part of the lake with it’s own recreated Nordic Castle on the mountainside (www.vikingsholm.com).

Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park on the western coast is the largest state park bordering the water, and is filled with old buildings to explore. Ehrman (pronounced ‘ermine’) Mansion has some stately grounds and includes a turreted mansion which was used in the making of the Godfather II if you’re interested.

Something Different?
If you are up for a challenge, then take yourself on to the Tahoe Rim Trail (www.tahoerimtrail.org), circling the lake from the lofty heights of the surrounding mountains! It covers 165 miles across the Sierra Nevada, and can take at least a week if you attempt the whole thing in one go. If you aren’t quite that adventurous, shuttle buses can transfer you to the key sites and you can walk a short stretch at a time!

This trail is open to all types, including mountain bikers, horses and cougars - oh, and in the colder months lots of snow (sometimes completely obscuring the path) - so make sure you a prepared for whatever comes your way if you take up the challenge!

For more information on any of the National Parks and their entry costs - please visit www.parks.ca.gov and navigate to the relevant locations.

Have fun!!!

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posted by Travel Cat on Aug 15

Joining a Charity Vacation was the best idea….

It was my partner who found the trip for me. I’d seen them advertised a million times before, but just never felt that final ‘tipping point’ - enough to make me raise thousands of pounds for a charity in a relatively short period of time.

But, somehow this one was different - I really wanted this vacation. And, I was in a position at work which I felt would help me raise the required funds more easily.

Most importantly, it was with a charity that I believed in, and felt that others would also share in. Some charities for animals can be off-putting for some, whereas other people would rather give to wildlife charities than desperate children overseas. I felt this charity represented me, and so I knew I could raise money for them.

First things First:
The application was a big step for me. Getting all the vacation details, as well as the payment plans in the starter pack was an interesting few days reading. Before I signed up, I wanted to know all the details - including the ‘get out clause’ if I couldn’t raise all the money. I certainly didn’t want to find myself owing the charity money if I didn’t get to go!

I had to raise around $5500/£2700 for the 10 day trip, plus I would have to supply my own equipment (walking boots, sleeping bag, rucksack, day pack, etc) as well as my own medication and toiletries, be up to date with my vaccinations and hold travel insurance that covered mountain climbing and camping etc.

The cost of the trip itself included all flights and transfers, accommodation and food as well as several guides and 2 doctors for the duration. It also included continuing support from the charity for fundraising ideas and travel advice leading up to the trip.

Before I signed anything, I wanted to know I had a head start, so I checked with my boss whether he would get the ball rolling with a $1000/£500 donation. He said ‘yes’, so I completed the forms and the challenge began.

My Plans:
I had 2 important things to consider in the build up to the trip in a few months time, and they were raising the funds and getting fit. I didn’t want to be struggling to walk the 7 or so kilometres a day up and down the mountainside. I wanted to really enjoy myself, so I had to be as fit as I could. I joined the gym and started hill walking after work - well I had to wear in my new boots - I didn’t want blisters out there!

My work allowed me to arrange a few raffles and ‘open days’ in the stores, where the suppliers gave me some free gifts, and I was able to sell tickets for the prizes as well as promoting the store itself. Other customers were happy to just donate to the charity itself anyway. I sold other free goods at car boot sales, and was getting donations all the time.

Friends and family were also generous, and I put in $1000/£500 myself because that’s how much I would normally spend on a vacation anyway. The funds were starting to get very close to the final amount - and the deadline was fast approaching!

We did have a meeting for all the fundraisers to attend, and it was a way to meet people as well as get some more ideas for raising money - and we got to watch the video diary from a previous trek. One man there had raised well over the required amount (he ran his own bar and had been doing quiz nights) and others had been doing all sorts of things to reach their targets. It was a great day out.

The Final Week:
I was very fit by now and the boots didn’t give me any trouble at all - I was even walking sideways on hills in them to make sure that they really weren’t going to get sore whilst out there. But they really were absolutely fine - a great buy!!

And, after banking all the money - yes, I reached the target amount with a last minute push - I started to pack!!!! It was only a few days now to departure. I had read all the guide books and had packed everything on the checklist the charity had supplied - I just had to get myself to the airport.

When I arrived, I met a few of the other travelers that I had spoken with at the previous meeting, who all seemed very friendly - and then we were away……

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I had the absolute best time on the trip, and still keep in touch with several of the people who were in my little ‘group’ while we were out there. I certainly won’t forget this trip for the rest of my life - that’s for sure. And together (we were part of a large group) we raised over £72,000 for the charity!

Great work - and a great vacation!

from Sarah Nettleton

posted by Travel Cat on Aug 11

The first thing you need to ask yourself is - Why am I taking my pet?

I know this seems like an obvious question, but really think this through before you make any other plans. Are you taking your pet because you would rather not leave it with anyone else, you don’t want to pay fees for someone else to watch them, or because they are an essential part of your family and taking them will make the vacation 100 times better?

Travelling with an animal can be very time consuming on your part - it can also be quite restrictive and some times more expensive than leaving them with qualified and insured carers while you are away. So this must be considered very carefully.

Opposition On Vacation: 
Many holiday locations will not accept pets of any kind in their accommodation - so you can forget 2 weeks on the beach in an all inclusive vacation resort if you want to take your dog with you. That weekend break in the city will be off your list of choices if you want to bring your cat along. And don’t even think about taking your parrot to Las Vegas……

These may sound like silly choices, but when you travel with animals, there are only certain types of locations, accommodation types and activities you can partake in. From experience - even going into a restaurant for a spot of lunch during a long drive meant leaving my dog alone in the car.

Also, theme parks and restored grand houses and castles are off limits for pets - and you certainly can’t take them into zoo’s, shopping malls and children’s parks.

Will They Enjoy Their Time Away? 
Small animals, such as hamsters and rabbits wouldn’t be taken with you on day trips while on vacation anyway, as with budgies, etc - for fear of losing them - so they would spend the entire time inside the vacation home, caravan, RV or the car - and the latter choices will not only get very hot in the summer months, but can be very dangerous too.

Many holiday parks outside of towns readily cater for clients with pets and are usually self catering and miles away from any dangers. So, if you don’t mind a peaceful reading holiday or an energetic walking or cycling vacation away from the modern world, then you and your pet can have the best time.

I combined my annual vacation time between several local dog-friendly cottages with miles of walking space, with a couple of people-only trips overseas. You shouldn’t feel guilty about leaving your pets at home as long as they are in good hands.

Always consider what is best for the pet involved, rather than what is easiest for you.

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